Artificial intelligence as a catalyst for sustainable urban transformation through the triple helix

Abstract As urban areas confront the challenges of swift urbanization and sustainability demands, the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) within the Triple Helix model, connecting academia, industry, and government, presents promising opportunities for transformative urban and socioeconomic advancement. This review integrates current literature on AI-driven innovation and its interaction with public–private-university collaborations to evaluate the efficacy of existing initiatives designed to promote sustainable, inclusive, and intelligent urban systems. This study classifies AI applications into essential domains: smart city infrastructure, sustainable transportation, environmental management, social innovation, and urban governance, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative materials published in the last decade. The paper critically examines how collaborative innovation ecosystems utilize AI to tackle intricate urban issues, including resource optimization, climate resilience, and fair service access. Additionally, it assesses global case studies that illustrate exemplary practices in policy formulation, technological implementation, and interdisciplinary collaboration within the Triple Helix framework. The analysis also examines deficiencies in methodological approaches, regional variations in implementation, and ethical implications associated with AI deployment in urban environments. This study emphasizes the significance of cohesive, multi-stakeholder approaches for synchronizing technical progress with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It finishes by delineating research goals and policy proposals to advance AI-facilitated, cooperative urban sustainability transitions.